In fray not to win, but to bring about sea change

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Hoshiarpur, January 23

Sukhdeep Kaur (25) has taken upon herself the task of bringing about a change in the system to address the basic issues of education, health, jobs etc.

Walking on the streets of the Police Lines here, Sukhdeep is convincing voters “to be part of the first step towards a revolution”. “Only a revolution can resurrect the collapsed system in Punjab,” she says.

She is contesting on the ticket of little-known Democratic Party of India. And she is not alone. There are several others who are in the poll fray from parties having little presence. Among them are Ajit Ram (Bharat Rashtriya Democratic Party), Kuldeep Kumar (Hindustan Shakti Sena), Bhajan Singh (Bharatrashtra Democratic Party) and Paramjit Singh (Hindustan Nirman Dal).

Having quit her job as a receptionist at JW Marriott in Chandigarh, Sukhdeep Kaur says: “I know I cannot win. I am only attempting to educate people about their rights. Elected parties are merely befooling people with populist schemes.”

She is the daughter of a head constable who died while on duty. “I know I have undertaken an ardous task, but I am glad with the fact that youngsters are joining me. I will speak till I am heard,” she said.

Ajit Ram, who retired as a teacher, is telling youngsters, “We missed the train for an alternative government when we were young. We will fight with you for your bright future. Education for the poor in government schools where no one is failed till class VIII has no meaning. Hospitals without doctors serve no one. Join us because we are fighting for your future.” His is often accompanied by an elderly Kewal Lal Heera, a retired MC employee.

Bhajan Singh from Mukerian says: “I am contesting the election as an attempt to educate people to questioning the authorities for failing to serve them honestly. I have served as a granthi in various gurdwaras and learnt that we should never tolerate injustice.”

A retired soldier of the Sikh Light Regiment, Paramjit Singh, associated with the Hindustan Nirman Dal, is “fighting to get the rightful place for the Hindus that they deserved”.